Fulwood out of Shield as final four decided

By Andy Sykes

Holders Fulwood Amateurs were knocked out of the Lancashire FA Shield as three West Lancashire League sides progressed to the semi-finals.

Tony Hesketh’s men fell to Division One leaders Hesketh Bank in a 4-3 humdinger, despite Matt Van Wyk’s hat-trick.

Bank will be joined in the last four by Burscough Richmond who saw off Hurst Green and Blackpool Wren Rovers who secured a 3-1 win at Pennington.

Walshaw Sports complete the semi-final line up after their penalty shoot-out win against Slyne last week.

Van Wyk put Fulwood ahead with a great finish before Kevin Edgar equalised straight from a corner.

Edgar struck again to put them ahead at the break, an advantage extended through Richard Burns in the second period.

Van Wyk got his second from the spot but a rocket header by Luke Smith made it 4-2.

Van Wyk completed his treble late on but it was not enough as Dan Birkby’s side enjoyed a notable scalp.

Burscough Richmond, who won the LFA Shield in 2016/17, saw off Hurst Green through two late goals from Ade Kirkbride and Raj Uppal.

Completing the trio was Blackpool Wren Rovers who triumphed 3-1 at Pennington thanks to goals from Jacob Aspinall, Luke McNaughton and Finn Marsh. Their hosts grabbed a consolation in second half injury time.

In the Westmorland Senior Cup quarter-finals, player manager Shaun Gardner led by example with both goals as Milnthorpe came behind to beat Windermere.

The hosts led early on but Gardner struck twice – once from the spot – to seal a 2-1 win.

Kendal United went down 1-0 to Penrith Reserves in another quarter-final tie.

Where next?

CMB and Chipping make away-day statements CMB and Chipping showed their title and promotion credentials with two outstanding away wins this weekend, writes BEN SMITH, with photos of Storeys v Freckleton by PAUL HUNT.
Clark: 'It could have been 5-5 - it was brilliant' Proud Slyne-with-Hest boss Gavin Clark said his side’s Lancashire FA Shield quarter final penalty shoot-out defeat was one of the best games he’s ever been involved in.

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